ABUJA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least 23 suspected terrorists were killed in a gunfight with troops in Nigeria's northern state of Katsina, local media reported Monday, citing a source at Army headquarters.

The troops also rescued 26 kidnapped victims, including women and children, during their encounter with the suspected terrorists at Pauwa village of the Kankara local government area of Katsina on Saturday, according to the state-owned News Agency of Nigeria.

Motorcycles, auto spare parts, lubricants, farm machinery and foodstuffs recovered during the operation were destroyed, said the source, adding that the army had vowed to sustain pressure on terrorists and criminals across the country until peace is restored. ■